Daybreak
Outside In, 2023
8/10
The composer and saxophonist Nicholas Brust is joined by Lage Lund, Julia Chen, Rick Rosato and Gary Kerkezou for these colorful jazz tunes that are never short on creativity or melody.
“The Absence Of You” starts the listen with Chen’s swift piano prowess amid Brust’s glowing sax in the warm and agile climate, and “Diamonds And Clubs” follows with a charming dreaminess that showcases Kerkezou’s skilled drumming and Rosato’s precise bass bowing.
In the middle, “To Carry The Torch” emits a reflective and meticulous energy thanks to Brust’s stunning sax acrobatics, while “Suspense In Blue” pays tribute to the blues with a sublime intimacy that unfolds with grace and beauty.
Nearing the end, “The Tempest” offers a rich album highlight that’s textured with a timeless jazz demeanor that’s as exploratory as it is controlled, and “A Midsummer Night” exits the listen with no lack of rhythm in the flowing dynamics.
An excellent sophomore album, Brust and company make for a highly memorable affair that might remind you of Pat Metheny, Brian Blade or George Foreman, and I don’t think anyone will have a problem with that.
Travels well with: Roxy Cross- Disparate Parts; Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Kansas City